Going wild: Next-generation Aussie racers

Supercars' wildcard initiative has been widely praised for good reason. In allowing wildcard entries into select sprint rounds, the series is not only harking back to the glory days of wildcards but also giving youngsters such as James Golding, Jack Le Brocq, Shae Davies, Todd Hazelwood and Macauley Jones a better transition into the main game.

So while New Zealanders Scott McLaughlin, Shane van Gisbergen, Fabian Coulthard and now Richie Stanaway are taking Supercars by storm, the wildcard initiative and now the Pirtek Endurance Cup is giving a chance for the next-generation Australian racers to show their talent.

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With Supercars one of the most competitive touring-car series in the world and with a stellar line-up of drivers, cracking the main game can be extremely tough. So this year's wildcard initiative to allow non-main-game drivers to compete at nominated rounds looks like a win-win for the series, the fans and the drivers and teams taking part.

Five young drivers took up the opportunity to contest selected rounds of the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship in 2017 in the hope they can do enough to press their claims for full-time drives in 2018.

We interview Golding, Le Brocq, Davies, Hazelwood and Jones to discuss their progress in 2017 and how their plans for full-time drives in Supercars are aligning.